Chenoweth family planning 100-year reunion

August 16, 2014

ELKINS - On Aug. 30, hundreds of family members and friends are expected to converge in the region for a gathering of the 100-year Chenoweth Reunion.

A committee of local family members began planning the memorable centennial event last year and is anticipating guests from across the nation. The reunion will be held at the Chenoweth Shelter located on Chenoweth Creek Road in Elkins.

"The Randolph County Chenoweth family has always fostered a strong interest in our lineage and has been dedicated to continuing the annual tradition of a family gathering," said Holt Chenoweth, reunion organizer. "It will be a special homecoming for many of those whose roots are here but who have relocated over the years."

Article Photos

Submitted photoThe Chenoweth Family is set to celebrate the family’s 100th reunion on Aug. 30.

All family members are invited to attend and bring a picnic lunch for the noon meal. Registration begins at 10:30 a.m. Historical displays, children's games, a group family photo, silent auction, entertainment and other activities are planned for the afternoon. At 2 p.m. tours of regional Chenoweth Family historical landmarks will be provided including the Lemuel Chenoweth House, the Chenoweth Cemetery and Chenoweth Graveyard.

A special genealogy program will be held at 4 p.m. followed by dinner at 5 p.m. The program and dinner will also be held at the Chenoweth Shelter.

The first reunion was held in 1914, when members of the Chenoweth lineage established a family gathering near the Old Chenoweth Graveyard on Chenoweth Creek Road in Randolph County. The event was to commemorate the life and deeds of their ancestor, John Chenoweth, soldier of the War of Independence.

An historical account of the Chenoweth Family written by Captain William H. Cobb (date unknown) states, "There is an inspiration in these reunions of old families; they teach us a lesson of reuniting the ties of kinship; of neighborly love and friendship, and especially the lesson of ancestral homage."

Revolutionary John, for whom the reunion was established, and his wife Mary (Pugh) Chenoweth came from Hampshire County, Va., to Randolph County, Va., in 1792. In 1800 the couple purchased 150 acres on Eberman's Run which would later be named Chenoweth Creek. John, Mary and many of their descendents are buried in the Old Chenoweth Graveyard which is situated on Chenoweth Creek. Many of the Chenoweth family who still reside in the region can trace their lineage back to John and Mary Chenoweth.

Although the group celebrates their ancestry dating back hundreds of years, reunion committee member Lori Chenoweth admits the important role technology and social media played in planning and marketing the event.

"By developing a website and Facebook page for the reunion we were able to provide continual and timely updates to many family members. These tools have helped us reach out to a wide audience with information and requests for historical artifacts and stories. The response has been great."

Visit the website www.chenowethreunion.com for more information or go to the Facebook page at 100th Chenoweth Reunion August 30, 2014.